Recently, both Apple and Google removed Fortnite from their app stores. It happened after Epic introduced its own in-game payment system that allowed the game developer to bypass a 30% fee.
Epic Games struck back at Apple and Google by filing a lawsuit against the tech giants. However, now Apple has decided to make things even worse for Epic. That’s because the company is also blocking Unreal Engine on its platforms by August 28. If this happens, then Epic Games will not be able to develop tools for iOS and Mac.
According to Epic, Apple’s plan to restrict Epic’s access to development tools is an “outrageous retaliation.” That’s because Apple never mentioned Unreal Engine violating any policy.
Epic says that Apple’s decision to block the Unreal Engine on iOS and Mac will drastically impact Epic’s business. It’s obvious that the situation will force the developers to jump on other game development tools. So, Epic Games filed for a restraining order and long-term preliminary injection to prevent Apple from blocking Unreal Engine.
“If the Unreal Engine can no longer support Apple platforms, the software developers that use it will be forced to use alternatives. The damage to Epic’s ongoing business and to its reputation and trust with its customers will be unquantifiable and irreparable. Preliminary injunctive relief is necessary to prevent Apple from crushing Epic before this case could ever get to a judgment,” says Epic in the legal document.
Apple’s Statement On The Situation
Interestingly, an Apple spokesperson also came forward to give a statement on the situation. According to Apple, it has no personal grudge against Epic and it wants to keep the company “as part of the Apple Developer Program and their apps on the Store.” However, the spokesperson says that Epic’s apps don’t adhere to Apple’s guidelines, which exists to protect its customers.
Nevertheless, according to Apple, Epic can easily get out of this situation that the game developer “has created for itself.” Apple just wants Epic to release an update for its app that “reverts it to comply with the guidelines they agreed to and which apply to all developers.”
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